Mary Wilson, a founding member of The Supremes, has died at the age of 76.
The singer died at her home in Henderson, Nevada according to her publicist. No cause of death has been given.
Mary is best known as a member of the iconic Motown singing group ― alongside Diana Ross and the late Florence Ballard.
They became one of the biggest musical acts of the 1960s, scoring huge hits including the classic singles Where Did Our Love Go, Baby Love, Come See About Me and Stop! In The Name of Love.
Last month marked the 60th anniversary of The Supremes signing with Motown Records.
As well as her music career, Mary was more recently known for her work as a motivational speaker, an advocate for social change and a cultural ambassador for the United States.
Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown, paid tribute following the news of her death.
“I was extremely shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of a major member of the Motown family, Mary Wilson of the Supremes,” he said in a statement.
“The Supremes were always known as the “sweethearts of Motown.” Mary, along with Diana Ross and Florence Ballard, came to Motown in the early 1960’s. After an unprecedented string of number one hits, television and nightclub bookings, they opened doors for themselves, the other Motown acts, and many, many others.
“I was always proud of Mary. She was quite a star in her own right and over the years continued to work hard to boost the legacy of the Supremes. Mary Wilson was extremely special to me. She was a trailblazer, a diva and will be deeply missed.”
Mary is survived by her daughter Turkessa, her son, Pedro Antonio Jr., as well as 10 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
